Gomber struggles as Cards’ WC lead shrinks

The Cardinals’ grip on the second National League Wild Card spot got a bit looser Thursday night, as the Dodgers asserted themselves as formidable challengers in that race by opening a four-game series at Busch Stadium with a 9-7 win. The loss left the Cardinals’ Wild Card lead over Los Angeles at one game and dropped them three games back of Milwaukee for the top spot in those standings. The Cubs hold a 4 1/2-game lead over St. Louis in the NL Central.